Happy Veteran's Day: We MUST Remember Those From Before, and Those Now.

I want to wish every veteran that has ever served this nation a Happy Veteran's Day. Yesterday was the Marine's 230th Birthday. Marcie was given the honor of doing that, and when she got home, I think she put together a fitting post for them. (Granted, if we knew how to put up graphics, we would have)

But I'd like to say a little something about today. See, I didn't join the military. EVERYTHING I know about the military comes from my uncle (still in the Navy), my other uncle (retired Marine with two tours in Vietnam), my father (one tour in Vietnam), veterans I've spoken with, and the constant amount of reading I do. When it comes to the military, I'm no dummy. I just lack the experience that others possess now, and the sacrifice of those from before.

We honor those that have come before the present day. They were asked to stand and defend this nation. World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War I, and the War on Terror. These men and women stand on the wall, and tell evil around the world that it's not getting past them. The drawn the line in the sand, and hold that line. They sacrifice more than not having brie at a wine tasting get together. They lose more than their keys, or a comb.

Those that have assailed these men and women are as low as the scum that is standing opposite this nation in this war. Yes, I said it. I'm equating their views on this war and our troops to the animals blowing up civilians in Iraq. For those that disagree, I suggest you check Michelle Malkin's new book "UNHINGED." Chapters 3, 4, and 5 deal with how hateful and spiteful the Left has gotten towards people who support our troops and their efforts, and the military itself. Chapter 4 is entitled "They Don't Support The Troops," and it's an in-depth assessment of how our troops have been treated since this war started by the antiwar moonbats, and the treatment their families have received. It's appalling how these people have been treated.

These men and women signed up in the military to defend this nation. They're not war-mongers. To all the @$$es out there that don't get this, I refer you to the nearest veteran you can find. The people who desire peace more than we do is a soldier. They don't want to go out in the field and have to remove one, or more, of God's "precious little children" from the face of the planet. They don't want to leav family, friends, and loved ones behind. And the wives of a soldier are an extremely strong lot; so strong in will and fortitude that the military should have a medal for them. They're the ones still taking care of the home, and the kids. They hold the family unit together when their respective other half is out on the frontlines.

So, on this day, remember these people. They do what they must to protect this nation, in deep, dark places that would scare the hell out of the average American.

http://thedonovan.com/
http://www.austinbay.net/blog/
http://fallbackbelmont.blogspot.com/
http://www.blackfive.net/
http://counterterror.typepad.com/
http://froggyruminations.blogspot.com/
http://strengthandhonor.typepad.com/captaink/
http://www.mudvillegazette.com/

The links above are a few of the best military bloggers on the 'Net. These are guys that have served, or are currently serving, or are considered experts in the fields they blog about (such as the Counter-Terror blog). These are the guys to go to so you can keep up on the efforts in the GWOT.

http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?article=32937&section=104

This is Star and Stripes official site, and they have a most-fitting tribute to those that have served this nation with honor and distinction.

http://michaelyon.blogspot.com/

Michael Yon is a correspondant who does go over to Iraq to cover the war. He is a journalist now, and an elite blogger (Marcie highlighted a story he posted a couple months ago), but the man is no slouch. He's served, and he knows what to do when the bullets start flying, and his backside is in danger.

http://wideawakecafe.blogspot.com/2005/11/remembering-our-veterans.html

Laura Lee Donoho has a nice tribute to her uncle, who was a tail-gunner in World War II.

http://ecmpostreview.com/2005/November/9teach.html
http://lesenfantterrible.blogspot.com/

Pat runs Les Enfant, but the link above his is to a column he wrote in memory of a Vietnam vet. Read it.

http://www.nationalreview.com/comment/morse200511110855.asp

Anne Morse puts together a great piece regarding fathers and sons that go off to war to defend this nation.

http://techcentralstation.com/111105D.html

Ralph Kinney Bennet reminds us all that those veterans we do know, we should be honored and prvileged to know them.

http://officersclub.blogspot.com/2005/11/base-in-focus-minot-afb-nd.html

The guys at the Officer's Club have a toast in honor of one of the last Cold War bases to be closed down.

http://www.captainsquartersblog.com/mt/archives/005770.php

And I almost forgot Capt. Ed's note regarding our past veterans. On this post is a photo of the US flag hanging in the Smithsonian that was the one draped over the gaping hole in the Pentagon on 11 Sept.

Don't forget these people. Don't forget the vets that put their butts on the line before--in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. and don't forget those that cut their teeth on the crucible in recent years, like those from Gulf War I, and those from the Global War On Terror now. When you see these people to day, shake their hand, and thank them for their service. Buy them a drink, and let them tell you what it means to be a veteran. Learn from them the wisdom they may impart. Don't disdain them. Don't put them down. For they are doing and have done what others refused to do, or were not able to do. These men and women are no different than those in this nation's early history that picked up the rifle to defend liberty.

Publius II